Personal Ensign On Tap Today at the Spa

Saratoga Race Course

Personal Ensign is one of my favorite horses of all time. She was retired in 1988 with a record of 13-0. She capped her undefeated career by winning what I believe to this day is the greatest race in the history of the Breeders' Cup when she rallied from far back on a sloppy track to catch Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors at the wire in the 1988 Breeders' Cup Distaff.

The $400,000 Grade I Personal Ensign Stakes for fillies and mares three years old and upward is named in her honor. The race is carded at 1 1/4 miles over the main track and a field of eight is expected to contest the race.

Horses To Watch for the Personal Ensign

Icon Project - Post 6 - M/L 7/2
She has raced only twice on dirt in ten starts but has a win and a place to show for that. Won the New York Handicap at Belmont over a muddy track by more than 13 lenghts and may have bounced slightly from that lifetime best Beyer to finish second in the Delaware Handicap over a dry track last out. Positive jockey change today should improve her chances. Julian Leparoux rides for Marty Wolfson.

Unbridled Belle - Post 2 - M/L 5/2
This is the 3rd straight year she has run in the Obeah, Delaware Handicap and then the Personal Ensign. She ran 2nd in this race two years ago after a bad break from the gate and 3rd last year to Ginger Punch. She is generally in the money and Todd Pletcher puts his main man Johnny V. aboard today.

Swift Temper - Post 7 - M/L 4/1
She is the best of the limited early speed in here and she should be winging it early. She won the Delaware Handicap in her last and lost twice at Churchill to Miss Isella before that. Her last two Beyers were 100+. Allan Garcia rides for Dale Romans.

Miss Isella - Post 4 - M/L 3/1
Of her 6 lifetime wins 5 have come at Churchill and none were in a Grade 1. She won the Fleur De Lis and Louisville Distaff at Churchill before running second in the Go For Wand after a poor break at this meet. She seems to have the talent to win here but also seems to be a Churchill lover. Calvin Borel takes back the mount for Ian Wilkes.